BJP, AIADMK, JD(U) stage walkout in RS over Baalu issue

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) The BJP and the AIADMK today renewed their demand for the Prime Minister to answer the concerns of Rajya Sabha members over the alleged misuse of official position by Union Shipping and Transport Minister Baalu to benefit two companies associated with his family, and boycotted the Question Hour in the House after being disallowed to raise the matter.

As soon as the House assembled for the Day, senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj and Dr V Maitreyan of the AIADMK rose up and urged Chiarman Hamid Ansari to allow the matter to be taken up, saying they had already given notice for it.

Mr Anasri said he had received the notice but he would not suspend the Question Hour, and the members could raise the issue after it concluded.

However, the BJP and AIADMK members persisted with their demands, saying the matter was serious and needed the immediate attention of the House and the Government.

The Chairman did not budge, and said he would proceed with the Question Hour. As soon as he said this, all the members of the BJP and AIADMK, and also the JD(U) staged a walkout in the House. Their boycott lasted for the whole Question Hour.

The Baalu issue had disrupted the House proceedings last week also, forcing frequent adjournments.

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